As a self-storage company, we sell and use a lot of cardboard boxes. It comes with the territory, but we know cardboard isn’t always the answer. We often recommend our long-term storage customers use plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes in a variety of circumstances. Cardboard boxes have their place and uses, but when it comes to preserving your items in long-term storage, plastic bins with tightly sealed lids offer the best protection.
When to Use Plastic Bins for Self Storage
Many people use cardboard boxes to store a wide variety of items; however, that may not always be the most protective choice in certain situations. While cardboard boxes may be more affordable, they also often need to be replaced, unlike plastic bins, which have a long lifespan.
When your items require maximum durability, strength and resistance to the elements, plastic bins always hold up better than cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes are more susceptible to damage from heat, humidity and moisture, for example. They also attract rodents and bugs, which invites damage not only to the boxes, but to the contents within. This means, if you are storing your items in a garage shed, or somewhere not climate-controlled and well-protected from critters, the risk of damage is much higher when using a cardboard box.
Reasons to Avoid Using Cardboard Boxes:
- Cardboard boxes age quickly and are more susceptible to weather conditions like heat and humidity
- Pests are attracted to cardboard boxes and their contents
- Moist areas can be dangerous for cardboard boxes
- Stacking cardboard boxes comprises the bottom box walls and increases the chance of the stack falling
- Cardboard boxes exposed to moisture can start growing mold or mildew
We recommend plastic bins for long-term storage for many reasons. When comparing plastic bins and cardboard boxes, plastic wins for durability. It’s thicker, harder and waterproof. The best plastic bins create a water-tight seal when closed. Plastic also lasts longer, which has its drawbacks in other applications, but in terms of storage, you’ll be able to reuse plastic bins over and over again without them getting worn down, waterlogged or tearing. Plastic bins also have a more desirable aesthetic appeal over cardboard boxes, which doesn’t necessarily matter in a long-term self-storage unit, but may matter when storing items in your home.
When to Use Cardboard Boxes for Storage
Cardboard boxes are typically more space efficient than plastic bins. Additionally, they are collapsible, which means you can fold them up and store them in a convenient space in your house when you’re not using them. Cost plays a major factor for many people choosing to use cardboard boxes. They are considerably less expensive than plastic bins, so if you need 20 large receptacles, cardboard will be the more affordable option.
We recommend cardboard boxes for temporary storage or for those storing on a large-scale when affordability is most important. Moving is one of the primary uses for cardboard boxes. If you plan on moving your home or business from point A to point B, you’ll likely require many boxes to pack and move your belongings. If you plan on packing and unpacking over a short period of time, cardboard boxes will help you save money versus plastic bins.
Plastic Bins vs Cardboard Boxes for Self Storage
Plastic bins and cardboard boxes each have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice will most often depend on the situation and your specific needs. Plastic bins are best in circumstances that require durability and resistance to the elements. Cardboard boxes are typically more readily available, cost-effective and best in temporary storage situations. If you plan on moving and unpacking in a short period of time, cardboard boxes should suffice. If you plan on keeping items in storage for a long period of time, plastic bins are definitely the way to go.
The knowledgeable and friendly teams at our self-storage facilities across the west coast and in the Washington DC metro area can assist you in choosing the right packing container for your self-storage needs. Find a location near you to check current self-storage availability.